Major Depression

Depression

Older adults face many life changes and these life changes could lead to clinical depression in predisposed vulnerable elderly individuals:

Retirement

The death of friends and loved ones

Increased isolation

Medical problems

If left untreated, depression not only affects mood but also physical health, impaired memory, concentration and enjoyment of life.

Depression is not a normal part of aging and there are many remedies to overcome the symptoms, irrespective of age or the life’s challenges. The brain continues to change throughout life, so it’s never too late to make positive changes and enjoy the golden years.

Depression:

A problem for many older adults and the elderly:

“Have you lost interest in the activities you used to enjoy”?

Do you struggle with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness?

Are you finding it harder and harder to get through the day?

Depression is a common problem in older adults. The symptoms of depression affect every aspect of life, including energy, appetite, sleep and interest in work, hobbies and relationships.

Unfortunately, all too many depressed seniors fail to recognize the symptoms of depression, or don’t take the steps to get the help they need. There are many reasons for depression in older adults and the elderly which are often overlooked:

Assume to have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging.

Isolation could lead to depression

Few around the elderly to notice the distress.

Do not realize that physical complaints are signs of depression.

Reluctant to talk about feelings or ask for help.

Feeling good as you age:

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw

Could happen to anyone, at any age

Does not depend on background or previous accomplishments in life.

Physical illness, loss, and the challenges of aging don’t have to keep the elderly down.

Senior depression could be treated with the right support, treatment, and self-help strategies to feel better and live a happy and vibrant life.

Bereavement, loss, and depression in the elderly

Grieving over losses is normal and healthy, even if it last for a long time.

Losing all hope and joy, however, is uncommon.

Is it grief or depression?

Grief and clinical depression share many symptoms

There are ways to tell the difference.

Grief is a roller coaster with wide variety of emotions and a mix of good and bad days. In the middle of the grieving process there will be moments of pleasure or happiness.

Depression will have the constant feelings of emptiness and despair present

Symptoms that suggest depression, not just grief:

Intense pervasive sense of guilt

Thoughts of suicide or

Preoccupation with dying

Feeling of hopelessness,

Helplessness and worthlessness

Slow speech and body movements

Inability to function (work/home)

Hearing/or seeing things that are not present

Depression and Illness in Elderly

Often linked to physical illness

Linked to chronic pain and physical disability

Could be a part of medical problems such as dementia

Side effect of prescription drugs.

Could Medical conditions cause depression in the elderly?

Medical problems could cause depression in older adults and the elderly (either directly or as a psychological reaction to the illness). Any chronic medical condition, particularly if it is painful, disabling, or life-threatening, can lead to depression or make depression symptoms worse.

Could Prescription medications cause depression in the elderly?

Symptoms of depression could be:

Side effect of many commonly prescribed drugs.

At risk because of multiple medications.

Older adults are more sensitive because aging bodies become less efficient at metabolizing and processing drugs.

Dementia vs. depression in the elderly

Loss of mental sharpness is not just a normal sign of old age. It could be a sign of either depression or dementia, both of which are common in older adults and the elderly.

COPING WITH DEPRESSION:

Exercise. Physical activity has powerful mood-boosting effects. In fact, research suggests it may be just as effective as antidepressants in relieving depression. The best part is that the benefits come without side effects.

Look for small ways to add more movement.

Park farther from the store

Take the stairs

Do light housework

Enjoy a short walk.

Even if you are ill, frail, or disabled, there are many safe exercises to build strength and boost mood even from a chair or wheelchair.

Connect with others. Getting support plays a big role in lifting the fog of depression and keeping it away. May not feel like reaching out, but make an effort to connect to others and limit the time alone. If you cannot get out for socializing, invite loved ones to visit or keep in touch over the phone or email.

Bring your life into balance. If overwhelmed by stress and the pressures of daily life, it may be time to learn new emotional management and emotional intelligence skills.

Get enough sleep. Aim for somewhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Participate in activities. Pursue whatever hobbies or pastimes that bring or used to bring pleasure.

Volunteer your time. Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better and expand social network.

Take care of a pet. A pet can keep you company, and walking a dog, for example, can be good exercise and a great way to meet people.

Learn a new skill. Pick something that you always wanted to learn, or that sparks imagination and creativity.

Create opportunities to laugh. Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humorous stories and jokes with loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.

Depression treatment options for older adults and the elderly

Healing after bereavement and loss

After a significant loss

Elderly may experience all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions, such as shock, anger, and guilt.

These feelings can be frightening and overwhelming

Accept them as part of the grieving process for healing.

Treatment of Depression is just as effective for elderly adults as it is for younger people.

Depression in older adults and the elderly is often the result of a difficult life situation or challenge. Any treatment plan should address that issue.

Loneliness is at the root of depression

Medication alone is not going to cure the problem.

Any medical issues complicating the depression should be addressed.

Older adults are more sensitive to drug side effects and vulnerable to interactions with other medicines

Antidepressant treatment for older adults

and the elderly

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

Special dietary instructions While on MAOI/

Should not take Foods that are high in Tyramine while on MAOI’s

ï Meat (especially cured meat)

ï Poultry (Chicken Liver)

ï Fish

ï Aged cheese

ï Certain fruits, vegetables, beans, Avocados

ï Alcoholic beverages (Red Wine)

ï Yeast products that have fermented

These foods could elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels resulting in Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Ask the doctor or dietitian if you have any questions about what you may eat and drink during your treatment.

Does Counseling and therapy help older adults and the elderly?

Therapy works well on depression because it addresses the underlying causes of the depression, rather than just the symptoms.

Supportive counseling

Religious and peer counseling

Ease loneliness and the hopelessness

Help to find new meaning and purpose.

Therapy

a) Helps to work through stressful life changes

b) Heal from losses

c) Process difficult emotions

d) Help to change negative thinking patterns

e) Develop better coping skills.

Support groups

Connect with others who are going through the same challenges

These are safe places to share experiences, advice, and encouragement.

Dealing with Depression in the Elderly

One cannot beat depression through sheer willpower, but do have some control—even if depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The very nature of depression interferes with a person’s ability to seek help, draining energy and self-esteem. For depressed seniors, raised in a time when mental illness was highly stigmatized and misunderstood, it can be even more difficult—especially if one do not believe depression is a real illness, are too proud or ashamed to ask for assistance, or fear becoming a burden to their families.

If an elderly person is depressed

Offer emotional support.

Listen with patience and compassion.

Do not criticize feelings expressed

Point out realities

Offer hope.

Help to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment

Help to find a good doctor

Accompany him or her to appointments

Offer moral support.

Other tips for helping a depressed elderly friend or relative:

Invite your loved one out

Suggest activities to do together

Walks, an art class, a trip to the museum or the movies

Schedule regular social activities

Group outings

Visits from friends and family members

Trips to the local senior or community center can help combat isolation and loneliness

Plan and prepare healthy meals.

Plenty of fruit

Vegetables

Whole grains

Some protein at every meal.

Encourage the person to follow through with treatment

Depression usually recurs when treatment is stopped too soon

Help to keep up with his or her treatment plan.

If it is not helping

Look into other medications and therapies.

Make sure all medications are taken as instructed

Remind to follow doctor’s orders about the use of alcohol

Help to remember when to take their dose.

Watch for suicide warning signs

Collecting or buying pills

Getting a gun

Giving valuables away

Writing a suicide note

Seek immediate professional help if the elderly is thinking about suicide.